Talking About Green

You’ve probably heard both sides of the organic debate.  On the one hand, it reduces pollution, both to the Earth and to your body.  But opponents say that it simply isn’t safe to eat foods that haven’t been treated with chemical pesticides to keep dangerous pests at bay (like worms and other parasites, for example).  And while it is technically possible that certain contaminants could find their way into organic crops, these items must still undergo USDA analysis for safeness, so the likelihood of becoming infected is really no greater than with other foods.  So there’s that myth debunked.  And you’ll be glad to hear that there are all sorts of health benefits that come along with adopting an organic diet.  Here are just a few that might help you decide what’s best for you.

First and foremost, it pays to know exactly what organic means.  When you see produce and packaged foods bearing the USDA Certified Organic label, what you’re getting is guaranteed to adhere to certain standards prescribed by the government, including at least 95% organic ingredients (in some cases, 100%).  These ingredients will come from approved farming operations that have been screened by the USDA for fitness according to their standards (such as growing organic for a minimum of three years before receiving approval).  What this amounts to is fruits, vegetables, and grains that have been grown without the use of chemical fertilizers or pesticides.

As for animal products that fall under the organic category, there are also regulations about how they can be raised.  Whether they are meant for meat or byproducts, they must be chemical-free in order to qualify as organic.  This means they cannot receive any hormone injections or antibiotics.  Further, they have to be fed a diet of organic produce and often they are also free-range animals that are humanely raised and slaughtered.  But what does all of this mean for your health?

For starters, less chemicals in your food means less chemicals in your body.  Considering how much the occurrence of cancers has risen in the last several decades, anything that exposes you to less pollution is probably advisable.  Even if you wash or cook these foods thoroughly, trace amounts of pesticides may still exist.  Plus, it turns out that many of these potentially harmful chemicals can hang around in your body for years after you ingest them, surfacing to cause damage when you least expect it.  And of course, antibiotics present in meat and other animal products can cause you to become immune to their effects, while hormones can mess with the balance of your bodily systems.

In addition to all these health benefits from organic, there’s a good chance you’ll also be exposed to more nutritious foods when you choose to go organic (since many are natural).  With less added sugars and fats (and no chemical additives and preservatives) you’ll likely consume fewer calories as well, which could help you to lose weight (if you so desire).  In any case, embracing a diet that’s full of healthy, nutritious, organic items will help you to feel great and ensure that you enjoy a long life, free of the chemicals found in other foods.

Sarah Danielson writes for Fatty Weight Loss where you can find articles on health and nutrition in addition to information on recipes under 300 calories and information on Jillian Michaels.